クリアクリーク郡の絶景の山頂・トップ19

360° panorama; summit with small stone pyramid and survey point, high: never too strenuous (if you are used to the altitude...) but challenging in places, occasionally steep - but not dangerous in itself - unless there is a thunderstorm approaching...

Embarking on the ascent of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is must-do for any cyclist looking for a high altitude challenge. The road up to the summit, which is at 14,130 feet above sea level, is the highest paved road in North America, so as you ride up this epic switchbacking road, keep an eye on how you feel because many experience altitude sickness at these elevations. The summit parking lot is a great place to rest, take photos, and enjoy the views before heading back down the road, which demands vigilance. There are no guardrails, little to no shoulder, and steep drops along the road so please be aware as you begin your descent.

James Peak is a 13,294-foot summit in the James Peak Wilderness. The Ute Trail and James Peak trail carry you to the ridge, which is steep at times but never calls for more than class 1 travel. There are numerous other 12,000 and 13,000 foot peaks in this area of the wilderness, and there is a multitude of alpine lakes in the surrounding basins.

Mount Flora rises to 13,146 feet and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and forests. The summit can be reached from multiple angles, but it is most often approached from the Berthoud Pass side.

Mount Bierstadt has a reputation for being one of the easiest mountains over 14,000 feet to climb within Colorado state. The reality is that it's still a tough run!

Mount Sniktau is 13,240 feet and is often overlooked since it doesn't hit that magical 14,000 foot benchmark. The 13er has a path the entire way and offers just as good of views as the peaks higher than it. Grizzly Ridge between Mount Sniktau and Grizzly Peak (13,433 feet) is known for its views of the Loveland Pass and Arapaho National Forest areas.

At 13,433 feet, Grizzly Peak offers an alpine experience without the crowds of a 14er. The mountain rests on a ridge of 13,000 foot peaks just north of the 14ers Grays and Torreys Peaks. When you get to the top, you can see deep into Arapaho National Forest over an alpine lake down in the basin below.

Torreys Peak is just around the corner from Grays Peak – so you can summit two of the 58 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in one hike. The view from the summit is exceptionally beautiful. Keep an eye on the weather, though. Thunderstorms are likely to occur in the afternoon during the summer months.